Tae Kwon Do is a popular martial art that originated in Korea. With a rich history dating back thousands of years, it has become a widely practiced and respected discipline worldwide. Although often mistaken for karate, Tae Kwon Do has its own distinctive techniques and traditions.
The origins of Tae Kwon Do can be traced back to ancient Korea. The earliest records of martial arts in Korea can be found in murals from the Koguryo kingdom (37 BC–66 AD). These murals depict soldiers engaging in various forms of combat, including punches and kicks that resemble the techniques used in Tae Kwon Do. This suggests that the roots of Tae Kwon Do can be found in ancient Korean military training.
In the 14th century, during the Goryeo dynasty, knights known as Hwarang began practicing a martial art called Subak. Subak focused on punches, kicks, and throws, and it emphasized discipline, loyalty, and honor. This early form of martial art laid the foundation for what would later become Tae Kwon Do.
During the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910–1945), the practice of all traditional Korean martial arts, including Subak, was banned. However, some Koreans continued to practice secretly, preserving the techniques and traditions. After the liberation of Korea in 1945, efforts to revive and develop traditional martial arts began in earnest.
In 1955, several martial arts masters came together to establish a unified Korean martial art, which they named Tae Kwon Do. The name can be translated as “the way of the foot and fist.” This new martial art combined the techniques of Subak with those of other traditional Korean martial arts. It aimed to promote physical fitness, mental discipline, and self-defense.
Tae Kwon Do quickly gained popularity in Korea and began spreading to other countries during the 1960s and 1970s. In 1980, it became an official sport in the Olympic Games. This recognition further elevated the global status of Tae Kwon Do and increased its popularity worldwide.
Although often mistaken for karate, Tae Kwon Do has its own unique style and philosophy. While both martial arts focus on kicks and strikes, Tae Kwon Do places a greater emphasis on high, fast, and powerful kicks. It also incorporates jumping and spinning kicks, making it a visually exciting and dynamic martial art to watch and practice.
If you are interested in learning Tae Kwon Do or any other martial art, there are many karate studios and schools that offer classes. To find a karate near you, simply search online or check local directories. Joining a martial arts class can not only improve your physical fitness and self-defense skills but also provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich cultural tradition that spans centuries.
Publisher Details:
Martial Arts | Johnson’s Martial Arts Of Cary. Apex, And Morrisville | Apex
https://www.tkdcary.com/
Johnson’s Martial Arts has been empowering people through their Karate program since 2006. Led by Bryson and Melissa Johnson, they have been training in Martial Arts since they were 10 years old. Their TaeKwonDo academy now has locations in Cary and Morrisville. Schedule a trial class for your preschooler, Elementary, Middle, or High School Child. We also teach adult Martial Arts.
For more information on karate near by contact us anytime.
